FocusOS compared with Freedom, Cold Turkey, Forest and Opal
An honest look at the differences, including where they're better. Last reviewed in November 2026. Features and prices change, so check each app's own site.
The short version
- Choose FocusOS if you want it free with no sign-up, and want one session to lock your Windows computer and Android phone together.
- Choose Freedom if you want a well-established blocker across devices, and don't mind paying.
- Choose Cold Turkey if you want a very strict blocker for your computer, on Windows or Mac.
- Choose Forest if you'd like a simple, motivating phone timer rather than a blocker.
- Choose Opal if you're on an iPhone and want an app built around screen time.
FocusOS
Free, with no paid tier or account. It runs on Windows and Android. What you open becomes your list, anything else has to ask first, and a key locks your phone for the same session. It's new, it has no current Mac or iPhone version, and its installers aren't signed yet, so you'll see warnings when you install.
Freedom
A long-running blocker that works across your devices. It's a paid product with a free trial, and it has been around far longer than FocusOS. If you're on a Mac or iPhone, it covers devices FocusOS doesn't.
Cold Turkey
A strong blocker for Windows and Mac, known for being hard to get out of. It has a free version, with a one-time payment for the full set of features. It's focused on the computer rather than the phone.
Forest
A timer that grows a virtual tree while you stay off your phone. It's cheap and pleasant, and it relies more on motivation than on blocking. It's a good choice if a full lock feels like too much.
Opal
A screen-time app focused on iPhone, with a free tier and a paid plan. It's built for managing your phone rather than your computer.
What makes FocusOS different
- It's completely free, with no paid tier.
- There's no sign-up, and your sessions stay on your device.
- You don't build a blocklist. What you open becomes your list.
- Computer and phone follow the same session and the same clock.
Where the others are ahead
- Longer track records and more users.
- Signed installers and official app stores.
- Mac or iPhone versions.
If those matter more to you, one of the others may suit you better. If not, you can try FocusOS for free at focusoslive.xyz.